The city of stilts is the primary port through which House Tharashk exports dragonshards. Founded less than a century ago, Zarash'ak has become the de facto capital of the Shadow Marches, even without formal recognition by the Treaty of Thronehold. Most adventures in the Shadow Marches start in Zarash'ak
When House Tharashk was first searching for a location to establish a port for the dragonshard trade they tried to build on Zarash Bay, near deep waters that would allow for oceangoing vessels. What they quickly discovered, however, was that waters deep enough for ocean vessels were too vulnerable to storms. Zarash'ak was established up the Glum River, after the tributaries unite but before the river splits and spreads into a delta. Oceangoing vessels instead anchor themselves at the mouth of the river, transferring cargo and crew to flat-bottomed river vessels for trade in the city. This strategy is not without risk - Zarash Bay is full of sunken ships that were waiting for deals to be struck when a storm swept up the bay. Treasure hunters hoping to plunder loot have to beware any number of aquatic threats, especially the Drowned, zombified crew members who emanate a suffocating aura.
The Heart
The Heart of the city is nestled in a grove of murk trees, a layered tangle of dragonmarked enclaves and foreign emissary residences. While the Shadow Marches aren't a thronehold nation, every other nation recognizes some level of diplomacy with the clans and House Tharashk helps ensure a steady supply of dragonshards when the Next War begins. The level of investment varies greatly - King Sebastes of Newthrone, Q'barra has sent a full ambassador, while the Flamekeep has only sent a single minister. Beyond Khorvaire, the Sibling Kings of Aerenal have not sent an emissary while Riedra is represented by Ambassador Sosharani.
The treetops in the Heart are home to a Lyrandar airship dock installed only a few years ago. Despite this, the dock has taken only a small portion of the traffic directed through Zarash Bay. The aerial path over Droaam risks encounters with wyverns and harpies loyal to the Daughters of Sora Kell.
The Ring
Beyond the Heart is an ever-expanding jumble of wooden streets and rope ladders. Natives of the Shadow Marches are constantly moving to the city, seeking a life different from their grandparents. The city lacks any form of central planning, so crews of laborers construct new houses and pathways with little consideration for what is to come next and connect to the latest development.
Residents of the ring are always hustling to make the next connection, the next sale, the next big score. While the city lacks the thousand year history and the sturdy towers of Sharn, the attitudes of the two cities are surprisingly similar as people hungry to make it in the world reach ever higher for success and fortune.
The Webs
Hanging below the city is a ramshackle network of floating platforms and hanging canopies, filled with the poor and the mad. The webs are significantly more hospitable in the winter, when the insects die off and water levels are lower. During the summer residents and visitors of the webs are constantly at risk from floods and disease.
While recruitment to strange forms of worship is present in the Ring, many of the actual meetings occur in the Webs. Gatekeeper druids reconnect to the natural world, while cults of the dragon below perform unique and profane rituals to initiate new members. Both groups appeal to residents by promising to restore a missing purpose to their lives and are particularly appealing to those who've had a recent run of misfortune, whether in love or business.
Law and Order
Existing outside the Treaty of Thronehold, even Deneith sentinel marshals have no authority inside Zarash'ak. While this has made the city a haven for criminals and refugees, immigrants to the city need to stay on the good side of the monstrous guards employed by the Dragonne's Roar.
Persons and businesses inside the Heart can expect the full protection of the guards as House Tharashk hopes to build Zarash'ak's reputation. Out in the ring protection is more conditional - foreign dignitaries and house heirs can expect protection, but the common person is typically left to their own devices. This has created a thriving mercenary and bodyguard business for residents without an extended family to provide protection and a threat of revenge.